Dr. James Linder (Interim President): 2014—2015

Dr. James Linder served as interim president of the University of Nebraska from 2014-2015. While interim president, he also served as president of the University Technology Development Corp. (UTDC). Previous roles included CEO of UNeMed Corp—the technology transfer arm of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)—and a number of administrative positions at UNMC, including interim dean of the College of Medicine, and associate vice chancellor for research. During Linder’s tenure, he expanded University-wide institutes, oversaw completion of a major university fundraising campaign and advanced the momentum of the university before transferring leadership to Hank M. Bounds, Ph.D., in April 2015.

James B. Milliken: 2004-2014

James B. Milliken was the first native Nebraskan and first University of Nebraska graduate to be named president of the university, a position he held from August 1, 2004, to May 2, 2014. He resigned to become chancellor of The City University of New York, the nation’s leading urban public university system. Milliken’s nearly 10-year tenure at NU was marked by unprecedented success for the university including expanded access for Nebraskans, growing enrollment, record research funding, significant physical expansion of the campuses, a highly successful capital campaign, creation of a number of university-wide institutes, an increased commitment to global engagement, and expansion of the university’s distance learning programs. The Board of Regents named him president emeritus of the University of Nebraska upon his resignation.

L. Dennis Smith: 1994 - 2004

L. Dennis Smith became president of the University of Nebraska in 1994 and stepped down in
2004. During Smith's tenure, which included the completion of the Foundation's successful $727
million Campaign Nebraska, more than 5 million square feet of facilities were renovated and
constructed, including residence halls, classrooms and research laboratories. Unique
public-private partnerships were also created during his service as president, including the
Rural Initiative, Peter Kiewit Institute, and Center for Biosecurity. Smith's priorities
included a stronger emphasis on research and faculty recruiting.

Martin Massengale: 1989 - 1993

Martin Massengale joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as vice chancellor for
agriculture and natural resources in 1976, and became chancellor of the Lincoln campus in
1981. In 1989, he was appointed interim president of the University of Nebraska and was
named president in 1991. He served in that capacity until 1994. Massengale was known as an
effective leader and supporter of the concept of integrating research, education, and
extension. He also authored or co-authored over 70 scientific papers and was a consultant
to several foreign governments.

Ronald Roskens: 1977 - 1989

After serving as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha from 1972-77, Ronald
Roskens was named president of the University of Nebraska in 1977, a post he held for 13 years.
During that time he brought an international perspective to the university, developing programs
with universities in Asia, Latin America, Europe and China. Roskens also negotiated an exchange
program with Kabul University in Afghanistan, and oversaw development of the center for
Afghanistan studies at UNO.

Durwood B. Varner: 1970 - 1976

Woody Varner became chancellor of the University of Nebraska system in 1970; in 1971, the title
was officially changed and he became the first person to hold the title of president of the
University of Nebraska. He served in that position until 1976, and strongly supported an
expansion of the university's academic and cultural outreach efforts. In 1976, he became
president of the University of Nebraska Foundation. He led the first major capital campaign,
raising more than $52 million, and spearheaded the fund drive that resulted in the construction
of the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

Clifford Hardin: 1968-1969

From 1954-68, Clifford Hardin served as chancellor of the University of Nebraska, which at
that time included the Lincoln campuses, the College of Medicine in Omaha and extension and
research sites throughout the state. Under Hardin's tenure as chancellor, the university's
enrollment rose from 7,000 to 19,000 students, and funding was appropriated for many new
university buildings. In 1968, the University of Nebraska system was established and Hardin was
named chief executive officer (he was designated as the chancellor and the heads of the
campuses were called presidents). Hardin left the university in 1969 to become U.S. Secretary
of Agriculture, a post he held until 1971.

The University of Nebraska offers students the opportunity to choose a learning environment that suits their personal needs. The best way to find out more about each of the university's four campuses is to visit and experience it for yourself.

Some 14,600 students, including more than 700 international students, enjoy the technology-rich atmosphere at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. UNO is Nebraska's metropolitan university and home of the multi-campus Peter Kiewit Institute of Information Science, Technology and Engineering. UNO offers students abundant internship opportunities with businesses in Omaha and throughout the state. This is where students find their "Maverick Mojo!" Visit UNO.

The 6,650 students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney come from more than 40 countries, and all 93 counties in Nebraska, to enjoy small classes, caring professors and a safe, progressive community. More than 170 academic programs and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research create a challenging academic environment, while the Lopers consistently lead Division II athletics in 17 men's and women's sports. Visit UNK.

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis is also part of the University of Nebraska, offering a two-year degree program with a focus on veterinary technology, ag production and business management or horticulture. NCTA's 425 students enjoy the personalized attention and support of a small college while having access to the resources of a major research university. Visit NCTA.

The attorneys in the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel serve as "in-house" legal advisors to the University of Nebraska. They provide legal service to the university system and all of the university’s four campuses on a wide variety of subjects, including litigation, commercial transactions, employment matters, intellectual property, and many other concerns, in the same way any large organization may need legal services. The office represents the interests of the university. It does not represent groups that are not, in a legal sense, part of the university. The office may provide defense to employees or students acting within the scope of their employment duties or as "students-in-training." Individuals with personal legal problems are represented by their own attorneys. For more information, see the FAQs on this topic.